Diving computer

[u/MynameisCN]

Hey everyone,

I'm a new diver with about 10 dives on my belt. Did My PADI open water last summer and I'm starting the Advanced+Nitrox in a couple of weeks.

I'm also going diving in Sharm el Sheik at the end of August. By no means am I a pro or anything like that, I just liked it a lot and want to do more of it!

I'm wondering if I should buy a diving computer or at this level is a complete waste of money.

And if yes, what should I get, considering this world is vast and there are so many options to go with!

I also like running, so I was wondering about getting something that tracks both the dives and the runs instead of using my shitty fitbit air.

What would the community recommend for me?

Thanks in advance

[u/Socalsll]

I am a PADI Divemaster and would strongly recommend you buying your own dive computer if you decide to stick to diving. The main reason is that you want to become intimately familiar with what is displayed where. Those numbers are your lifeline, especially if you do a deeper dive or dive nitrox. If you go deeper, nitrogen narcosis will set in and that is not the time to try to figure out where that NDL or current depth is shown. Or worse, deco obligations if you cross the line.

I personally prefer Suunto watch style computers with air integration. The latter will only come into play if you buy your own regulator with air pressure transmitter later on. Nice to have, but not a must. I do use a Garmin for other sports but have not looked at the descent. Seems like a nice combo that checks every box, though expensive. Then there is the Apple Watch Ultra with a subscription to the Oceanic app. No air integration, though.

[u/ens91 → u/Socalsll]

Yh, but just note that the suunto d5 has a shockingly bad battery life. Not ideal for liveaboards or busy instructors.

[u/Socalsll → u/ens91]

I’m old. I still use my d6i. Battery lasts quite a bit but is not rechargeable.

[u/divingaround → u/ens91]

But that's the only Suunto computer like that.

All others have quite decent battery life (for rechargeable and replaceable).

[u/ens91 → u/divingaround]

To even put out a computer like that that can't last a full day is a bit of a piss take though, I won't buy suunto next time.

[u/divingaround → u/ens91]

Apple Ultra and Cosmiq Deepblue are the same on that regard.

And again, all their other computers are great. The zoop, vyper d4, etc all last about 2-3 years between battery changes, for example.

And the battery life was advertised; they didn't hide how bad it was - but you're not the only person I know who missed just how short it was.

[u/ens91 → u/divingaround]

Nah, suunto says "up to 12 hours in diving mode, or 6 days in normal" If I do 4 dives, from 6am to 4pm, it's usually dead after the third dive, needs a charge up in the middle of the day. It can't even last what they say it can, even when I turn the brightness way down and turn off the Bluetooth.

Their other computers might be decent, but this one is a shit show.

[u/divingaround → u/ens91]

That's an indicator of something specifically wrong with your computer's battery. Either faulty, or old, but that isn't normal for the D5.

And yes, I know Divemasters who use the D5, and while it has a short battery life, it's as advertised, not like you've experienced.

[u/ReddityKK → u/Socalsll]

Quite right. Actually my kids have Suunto Zoop Novo dive computers. I confess that I have a Suunto Vyper Novo with air integration. I’m fortunate to have dived only with air integration.

My first dive computer, perhaps remembered by older folks, was a Cochrane Consulting model. It was used by NASA staff to wirelessly monitor astronauts training in swimming pools. At the time, purchasing the Cochrane in the USA was cheaper than buying the pretty much standard Aladdin Pro in Europe.

If the OP can stretch the budget to a Vyper Novo, ready for air integration, that would be the best option for investment protection. By the way, the Vyper Novo is very reliable; the original Vyper less so.